Dodgers Analyst Expects Julio Urias to Return to Ace Status Following Injury

Julio Urias will have his eye on dominance in the second half.

While the Los Angeles Dodgers have performed better of late, winning five of their last seven games, their starting rotation is still a work in progress largely because of a deluge of injuries that derailed what was -- on paper -- supposed to be one of the better starting fives in MLB.

Walker Buehler is currently rehabbing from Tommy John surgery, Dustin May remains out because of a right forearm strain -- although he's making some progress -- and Julio Urias has been hampered by a nagging hamstring injury since last month.

There is some good news though about the young hurler.

Urias is scheduled to make his return to the Dodgers on Saturday against the Kansas City Royals, after pitching four innings for Single-A affiliate Rancho Cucamonga in a rehab start.

The outing in San Bernardino County went well for Urias, as he struck out eight and only gave up one earned run on his night.

That could serve as a reset of sorts for Urias as he aims to get his season on track.

Urias has been shaky this season, putting up a 4.39 ERA after leading the NL with a 2.16 mark in 2022.

It's been a rocky year that's far below his standards, but Dodgers broadcaster Jose Mota believes the crafty lefty can regain his usual form once he returns, as he told Dodgers Nation's Doug McKain on the Dodgers Dougout podcast.

“I do. The reason I say that is because when he had this injury, he came and talked to me in St. Louis and he said ‘this doesn’t feel right’ and I said I think you’ve got to probably not pitch for a while. He said (the injury) was affecting other things. … I’m glad he’s taking his time to get healthy because he knows the responsibility he has to this team and these fans and I owe it to them to come back and stay.”

The imminent return of the Dodgers star will be a much needed boon for the team given their depth problems this season.

LA has had to unexpectedly rely upon rookies Bobby Miller and Emmet Sheehan in the rotation, and while each has had their moments, the veteran Urias will be an excellent addition once he comes back.

And I agree with Mota's opinion as well.

Given how crucial the lower body is for a pitcher -- for everything from pitch speed to command -- Urias' hamstring injury could definitely be a significant cause of the pitcher's uncharacteristic struggles.

Now that the injury looks to be behind him, the usual Urias should be here to stay.

And that's certainly welcome news for the Dodgers as they look to continue their climb to the top of the NL West.